School Workshops
Spoken word, hip-hop and creative writing with Cathal O’Reilly
I help primary and secondary school students find their voice through rhythm, storytelling and creative expression. My workshops give students a welcoming space to experiment with words, share ideas and discover that writing can sound like them.
Sessions can focus on spoken word and hip-hop, or bring Irish and English together in a creative way. Students do not need any writing or performance experience to take part.
What students do
Each workshop combines listening, discussion, writing and the opportunity to share. Students might explore rhythm and rhyme, turn a thought into a short verse, work with a partner, or perform a piece they have created.
Participation is encouraged, but students can engage at their own pace. The aim is to build confidence and make creative expression enjoyable and accessible.
Irish language and hip-hop
Guth na Gaeilge: Irish Language Through Rap, Hip-Hop & Spoken Word invites students to play with Irish words, sounds and phrases through contemporary music and writing.
Rather than worrying about getting every line perfect, students use familiar themes and simple prompts to create something of their own. The workshop can be adapted to different ages and levels of confidence with Irish.
Primary school workshops
Primary sessions use short, lively activities to introduce rhythm, rhyme and storytelling. Students listen, notice what words can do, and create short pieces individually or together. Irish language activities can be included where they suit the class.
Secondary school workshops
Secondary sessions give students more room to develop their own ideas and voices. We can explore how hip-hop and spoken word tell stories, respond to issues, and express identity. Students then write and, if they wish, share original work.
Workshops can be tailored for English, Irish, Transition Year, wellbeing programmes or an arts event.
Clifden Arts Festival Schools Programme 2026
In 2026, I facilitated workshops for primary and secondary students as part of the Clifden Arts Festival Schools Programme. The sessions encouraged young people to express themselves and use hip-hop as a safe, fun way to work with language and ideas.
The following is from Nicola Snow, Co-ordinator of the Schools Programme:
“Cathal O’Reilly was a fantastic addition to the Clifden Arts Festival Schools Programme 2026. Our Schools Programme is built around giving children and young people meaningful access to artists and creative experiences within their own school communities, and Cathal’s workshops captured that spirit perfectly.
Through spoken word, hip-hop and rap, Cathal showed students that the Irish language can be creative, contemporary and completely their own. What impressed us most was the confidence he inspired in young people to speak and experiment with Irish. This was particularly powerful among students who do not study Irish as an examination subject and who might not ordinarily see themselves as Irish speakers. Cathal created a relaxed, inclusive environment where there was no fear of getting something wrong. Instead, students were encouraged to play with language, rhythm and words and to discover the art and power of the spoken word.
The preparation and care Cathal put into planning his workshops was exceptional. It was clear that he had considered the age, ability and experience of the students he would be working with and had carefully planned how to make spoken word, rap and the Irish language accessible and enjoyable for each group. At the same time, he was incredibly flexible and responsive to the realities of a busy school day, adapting timings and activities when needed without ever compromising the quality of the students’ experience. That combination of careful preparation and an ability to respond naturally to the young people in front of him is a real strength.
Student voice:
“I didn’t think I’d be able to do something like that in Irish, but once we started, it didn’t feel like a class. You could just try it and have fun with the words.”
Another student commented that the workshop “made Irish feel more like something you can actually use and create with, rather than just something you learn.”
Teacher voice:
“It was wonderful to see students who would usually be hesitant to speak Irish volunteering ideas and having the confidence to perform them. Cathal met the students exactly where they were and made every contribution feel valued.”
For me, one of the loveliest indications of the impact of Cathal’s work actually came outside school. As a parent of two primary-aged children who took part in the programme, it was wonderful to hear them in the back of the car on the way home, rhyming Irish and English words, laughing, experimenting with sounds and making up their own little raps. They were simply playing with language. That is exactly what we hope an Arts in Education experience will do: spark something that continues long after the artist has left the room.
From an Arts in Education perspective, Cathal’s work demonstrates why artist-led experiences are so valuable in schools. He brought together language, identity, creativity, music and performance in a way that allowed students to experience Irish outside the traditional classroom setting. Most importantly, he gave students permission to use the language imperfectly but confidently, demonstrating that Irish is not simply an academic subject but a living language through which young people can create, communicate, perform and express themselves.
The Clifden Arts Festival Schools Programme works with children and young people across schools and education settings throughout North Connemara, and we are always looking for artists who can genuinely engage students while respecting the very different communities, ages and abilities they encounter. Cathal did exactly that. His combination of preparation, professionalism, flexibility, creativity and genuine rapport with young people made him a pleasure to work with.
We would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Cathal to other schools, festivals or Arts in Education programmes, and we would be delighted to welcome him back to Clifden.”
Nicola Snow
Arts in Education Coordinator
Clifden Arts Festival
Workshop options
One-off workshop: An introduction to spoken word, hip-hop or Irish language through rap.
Half-day session: More time for discussion, writing, collaboration and sharing.
Series of workshops: A chance for students to develop pieces over several sessions, with the option of a final classroom sharing.
I can tailor the content, duration and activities to your students and what you would like them to gain from the visit.
About Cathal
I’m a spoken word artist, hip-hop performer, writer and school workshop facilitator from Clonmel, County Tipperary. My work brings together personal storytelling, social themes and a belief that everyone deserves the chance to be heard.
I have performed at arts and community events across Ireland and was selected to facilitate the Clifden Arts Festival Schools Programme in 2026. I was also a finalist for the Impact in the Community Award at the Mental Health Ireland Awards 2026.
Book a school workshop
Tell me your school’s location, the students’ age group, approximate group size and the theme you have in mind. I’ll suggest a session that fits.